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The Cal women’s crew team received two important commitments during last week’s early signing period for the National Letter of Intent. Two of the top recruits in the country, Shaina Kennedy and Laura Terheyden, signed NLI’s and will be joining the Golden Bears next fall.

Coxswain Shaina Kennedy of Seattle, WA led the Green Lake junior boys crew to victory at last June’s US Rowing Youth Invitational, which is regarded as the junior national championship regatta. Recognized as the best coxswain in the country, Kennedy went on to cox the U.S. junior women to a fourth place finish at the world championships in Zagreb, Croatia.

Her experience coxing the boys at Green Lake combined with her international racing make well suited to lead the Cal women in the years ahead. Kennedy chose Cal over Washington and Brown.

“Everyone is thrilled that Shaina will be joining us next year. She has a terrific attitude and spirit, and I expect her to play a significant role in the years ahead,” said head coach Dave O’Neill.

Laura Terheyden of San Francisco’s St. Ignatius H.S. has also committed to join Cal next fall. Terheyden is the cornerstone of the SI program, which has won the last two state championships and placed third at this year’s Youth Invitational.

Along with Shaina Kennedy, Terheyden competed at the world championships in the U.S. junior women’s eight, which placed fourth. She chose Cal over Michigan, Virginia, and Washington.

“Laura is not only one of the strongest women in the country but also a fine technical rower,” said O’Neill. “Her positive outlook and terrific work ethic have made her one the best junior rowers in the country, and our program is the perfect fit for her.”

With the commitments of Kennedy and Terheyden combined with current Cal frosh Teresa Oja, the women’s crew will have one third of the 2000 junior women’s national team eight.

“We are committed to recruiting the best to our program, and the addition of Shaina and Laura already makes next year’s recruiting class a great one. Cal women’s crew will be fast for years to come,” said O’Neill.